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counts and countenances: protesters and police in peace vigil and TABD

Author

just tso

Date Created

16 Dec 2002

Date Edited

16 Dec 2002 03:51:08 PM

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Current rating: 0

In Chicago, Sunday afternoon, December 15, 2002, by a head count at the corner of Michigan and Erie, after an inter-faith rally, 1500 people marched peacefully for peace, accompanied by 20 police, and 4 dogs.

In Chicago, Sunday afternoon, December 15, 2002, by a head count on Michigan Avenue, after an inter-faith rally, 1500 people marched peacefully for peace, accompanied by 20 police, and 4 dogs. Protesters were variously happy, serene, and serious. Police were courteous, if mostly distant in affect.

In Chicago, Thursday afternoon, November 7, 2002, by a head count on Michigan Avenue, about 2500 people peacefully marched to protest the Trans-Atlantic Business Dialog, accompanied by several thousand police (along the route), and suspiciously few dogs. Protesters chanted loudly and marched with general decorum for global justice. The police did not riot or harass protesters, but appeared ready to do so, pushing some protesters this way and that.

A turnout of a few dozen police very probably would have worked to help direct traffic for the peaceful TABD march.

Perhaps the most direct result of the massive police mobilization during the TABD march was to lower the number of dogs participating (and increase the horse count). Or perhaps, the price tag of millions of dollars for the policing was an investment by the city in hopes of landing the 2004 G-8 meeting, rumored to be held in the USA.

In the interests of the public purse and inter-species solidarity between humans and dogs (and everything else), perhaps the city administration should give peace a chance in its approach to policing protests... and in supporting the passing also of a resolution by the city against War in Iraq.